Hey, this guy is supposed to be writing about water. What do Mineral, Irene, and Lee have to do with water?

As you might have guessed, I'm talking about the Mineral earthquake, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee, all of which we experienced in varying degrees in Virginia the last four weeks.

As we were drying out from the drenching rains of Tropical Storm Lee, I began thinking about natural disasters and the role water plays in nearly every one.

Earthquakes? I felt a nice shake in my Middleburg office from the Mineral earthquake but experienced no damage, unlike the nuclear power plants nearer the epicenter or the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral. Did water have a role in that quake? I don't know. Not all major earthquakes impact water resources and perhaps the Mineral earthquake had little impact. But I remember March 11 and the Tohoku earthquake off the coast of Japan. Nearly 16,000 lives were lost to the tsunami it caused, not to mention billions in property damage. Sure, that quake occurred offshore, but inland earthquakes can impact water resources.

During the series of severe earthquakes in 1811-1812 in the sparsely populated area near New Madrid, Missouri, observers reported seeing the "Mississippi River flow backwards."

Hurricanes and other major storms? Absolutely they are water-related. Hurricane Irene's drenching rains, high winds and storm surges caused significant property damage. More than one million Virginia residents were without power, some for more than a week. While I had only 1.5 inches of rain from Irene at my home and no problems, Tropical Storm Lee was a different matter. My home rain gauge recorded more than 10 inches of rain in four days and I live in Virginia, not Vermont where Lee was even more devastating.

How about other natural disasters? Tornadoes? Yes, tornadoes are always accompanied by massive thunderstorms. Droughts? They are associated with the lack of water. Volcanic eruptions? Remember Mount Saint Helens in 1980? Over 3.9 million cubic yards of debris were deposited in and carried downstream by the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers, destroying bridges and property.

What other natural disasters have I forgotten? Think about them. I'll wager you can find a water component in each of them.

So what about those three natural disasters Virginia experienced in little over two weeks beginning with the Mineral earthquake on August 23? Was it simply coincidence that they happened so close together or is climate change responsible? I don't have the answer. What I can say is that throughout geologic time, major climate changes have occurred, and without doubt, we now are in a period of climate change.

Is this a natural cycle? Yes. Is it exacerbated by human-generated carbon emissions? The great majority of climate scientists say yes. Do I want a coconut palm in my front yard? Not right away. What I can say with certainty is that the Mineral quake, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee are clear evidence that mortal man still doesn't know how to control Mother Nature. The score after these three events is Mother Nature 3, Mortal Man 0. 'Nuf said!

Please email your thoughts and ideas to: rengberg@verizon.net